The Schaller Gallery in Montana opened for business on Dec. 1 with a benefit exhibition for CERF+. More than 250 pieces from 24 artists are on view in Ahead of the Need, at the virtual online gallery, http://www.schallergallery.com/, including classic Japanese-style pots by Warren MacKenzie, sculptural teapots by Lana Wilson and shimmering white porcelain tableware by Andy Shaw.
The artists will receive a regular commission for their work, and Anthony Schaller, who owns the gallery, will donate a portion of the sales to CERF+. Last year, Ahead of the Need raised $4,500 for the nonprofit emergency response and preparedness organization based in Montpelier, Vt.
This is a way for people to support CERF+ and buy presents for Christmas, Schaller says.
Schaller, a CERF+ board member, launched the gallery Web site with the benefit exhibition because he has a serious interest in supporting the organization and its mission to help artists in need. Lets raise the money before we need it, Schaller says. The gallery has, within just a few days of opening, sold well over 100 pieces through the Web site. Over the course of the exhibition, new work will be added.
Next year the Schaller Gallery will celebrate CERF+s 25th anniversary with a 25-artist exhibition. The fine craft gallery is specializing in ceramics for now, and Schaller says he plans to bring other media into the gallery.
Ahead of the Need runs through Jan. 31, 2010 and features work by Margaret Bohls, Mary Briggs, Victoria Christen, Linda Christianson, Bede Clarke, Michael Corney, Guillermo Cuellar, Val Cushing, Charity Davis Woodard, John Glick, Martha H. Grover, Chris Gustin, Sarah Jaeger, Warren MacKenzie, Ron Meyers, Sequoia Miller, Jeff Oestreich, Lisa Orr, Steven Roberts, Nancy Selvin, Mark Shapiro, Andy Shaw, Lana Wilson & Tara Wilson.